The Miles to Zen Podcast with Shannon Miles Halliday

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Welcome to Season Two of the Miles Zen podcast. I'm your host Shannon Miles Halliday, a follower of curiosity, a mom, a wife, a former corporate executive, and a creator who believes the best stories always come with a side of laughter. This podcast is a place where curiosity, creativity, and connection guide the conversation.

Season one was an unfolding, and what emerged were conversations and incredible stories of intuition, courage, healing, and creating a life that you love.

And your messages and stories reminded me why this podcast exists because your story matters.

Season two takes us even deeper. We set the scene for the year with The Alchemist, a story about listening to your heart, trusting the signs, and having the courage to walk toward the life you were meant to live. From there, we move into real life journeys, ordinary humans doing extraordinary things, expanding their comfort zones, and choosing joy, purpose, and possibility.

One moment at a time.  So grab a coffee or lace up your walking shoes and join me. This is Miles to Zen, a place where we become more of who we are and come home to ourselves along the way. New episodes drop every other week.    

Podcast created and produced by Shannon Miles Halliday

Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Season 1 of the Miles to Zen Podcast has been an unfolding, guided by curiosity, intuition, and a willingness to follow the breadcrumbs wherever they led.

In this final episode of the season, I look back on a year of weekly podcasting and share what surprised me most: the conversations I never could have planned, the synchronicities that appeared at just the right moments, the lessons learned along the way, and the deeply moving messages from listeners whose lives were touched by these stories.

From near-death experiences and mediumship to creativity, healing, intuition, and what it means to truly listen to ourselves, this season has been about opening to possibility and trusting that there is more going on than meets the eye.

In this wrap-up, I share:

• What I learned from launching and sustaining a podcast for a full year
• How intuition wove through every conversation
• Why curiosity and creativity matter more than ever
• The moments that confirmed the creating of the podcast was worth it
• What’s coming next in Season 2, inspired by The Alchemist and real-life journeys of people following their inner knowing

If you’ve been joining me all year for these chats thank you. If you’re new here welcome!

Please subscribe, share, and stay tuned for Season 2!

00:00 Introduction and Season Reflection

01:03 Podcasting Journey and Key Moments

02:47 Listener Impact and Personal Growth

07:14 Lessons Learned from Podcasting

11:51 Synchronicities and Memorable Moments

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join us in this empowering episode where we reflect on the second half of the year’s Miles to Zen words of wisdom Gabriel Goldsmith inspires us to embrace failure as a path to improvement, while Agatha Ojimelukwe encourages us to conquer fear and embrace every moment. Shannon Takacs highlights the revolutionary potential of astrology, and Ruth Andermatt emphasizes the simplicity and necessity of self-connection. Mayor Alanna Hnatiw speaks about courage and the importance of continuous learning, and Matthew Gould discusses leading with curiosity and authenticity. Sarah Tompkins shares her passion for conservation, and Ann Mortifee reveals the power of instinctual knowing. Orly Altaras introduces us to the magic of life beyond the visible, and Monika Tschuggnall tackles the courage to be truly seen. Lastly, Helen Alderson shares her global humanitarian journey and the need to adapt in an ever-changing world. Don't miss these invaluable insights and more. Join us and be inspired to be courageous, connected, and curious!

 00:00 Welcome to the Miles to Zen Podcast

00:59 Embracing Failure with Gabriel Goldsmith

01:59 Conquering Fear with Agatha Ojimelukwe

02:47 Astrology Insights with Shannon Takacs

04:40 Self-Trust and Connection with Ruth Andermatt

05:39 Courage and Community with Mayor Alanna Hnatiw

06:35 Teamwork and Curiosity with Matthew Gould

08:18 Conservation and Inspiration with Sarah Tompkins

08:59 Conscious Creativity with Ann Mortifee

10:51 Opening to Intuition with Orly Altaras

12:48 Visibility and Authenticity with Monika Tschuggnall

15:41 A Global Journey in Humanitarianism with Helen Alderson

17:28 Wrapping Up the Season

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join us on the Miles Zen podcast for an inspiring conversation with Helen Alderson, a seasoned humanitarian from Geneva, Switzerland. Helen shares her vast experiences spanning over 35 years in the humanitarian sector, including roles at the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Heart Federation. From visiting prisons in volatile regions to addressing global public health issues and sustainable investing, Helen's journey is filled with wisdom, humanity, and grace. Tune in for insights on what it means to be a global citizen, managing her career and her reflections on finding joy in the most unexpected places.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:52 Helen's Early Life and Education

06:05 Career Beginnings and Humanitarian Work

12:38 Experiences with the Red Cross

20:50 Transition to Public Health and Leadership

23:28 Managing the Board: Challenges and Insights

25:49 Returning to ICRC: Leadership and Responsibilities

26:28 Head of Delegation in the UK: Experiences and Reflections

31:21 Observations about the Military

37:27 Retirement: Finding a New Balance

42:11 Words of Wisdom: Career and Life Advice

46:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of the Miles to Zen podcast, we explore the transformative power of art through curiosity, creativity, and connection. Host Shannon shares her experiences with a romance writing workshop and a visit to the legendary East Vancouver Culture Crawl, one of the city’s most iconic indie art events. She reflects on how art serves as a powerful reminder of our humanity and aids in strengthening our inner knowing. Whether you're a self-proclaimed 'non-art person' or an art enthusiast, this episode encourages you to appreciate the beauty and creativity around you. Discover how art can help you become more present, empathetic, and authentic in everyday life. 

Stay to the end for a gentle intuition strengthening experiment you can do today.
 It takes 30 seconds and it might just change how you move through your life.

00:18 An Artsy Week: From Writing to Wandering

01:34 The Power of Art in Our Lives

03:06 Experiencing Art: A Personal Journey

05:54 Art is Everywhere: Recognizing Everyday Creativity

08:44 Strengthening Intuition Through Art

12:52 A Simple Experiment: Noticing Art in Daily Life

14:31 Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Art Cards by Paddy Meade Art: www.paddymeade.com

East Van Culture Crawl https://culturecrawl.ca/

Federation of BC Writers: https://www.bcwriters.ca/

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In today’s Miles to Zen episode, I welcome back hypnotherapist, RTT practitioner, life coach, yoga teacher, and wonderful human being, Monika Tschuggnall.

Monika returns to talk about the deep work of authenticity, why so many of us fear being seen, and how subconscious patterns like “I’m not enough” quietly shape our lives, from our confidence as creators to how we show up in relationships.

We also share the story of the session we did together:

• what happened in the hypnotherapy
• the emotional layers that surfaced
• how the “charge” around old memories dissolved
• and the shifts that happened immediately afterward

This episode is for you if you’re:

• putting yourself out there creatively or professionally
• feeling blocked by perfectionism, comparison, or visibility fears
• tired of endless self-improvement cycles
• ready to live more authentically, without the masks
• curious about subconscious work, hypnotherapy, or Rapid Transformational Therapy

Monika’s core message: You don’t need to wait until you’re “fixed.” You are ready now.

This conversation is raw, warm, honest, and a powerful reminder that so many of us share the same human fears. And also that freedom is closer than we think.

Show notes:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:33 Monica's Journey and Authentic Living

04:59 The Trap of Constant Self-Improvement

07:56 Common Issues and Client Experiences

10:41 The Fear of Visibility

15:31 Monica's Personal Experience with Fear

17:45 Starting the Journey to Overcome Fear

22:41 Hypnotherapy Session Insights

26:18 Emotional Healing Through Childhood Memories

27:16 Understanding and Disassociating from Childhood Beliefs

29:11 The Impact of Suppressed Emotions

33:14 Integration and Creativity Boost

34:20 Balancing Creativity and Structure

36:41 The Non-Linear Path of Healing

39:06 Overcoming Comparison and Embracing Self

41:59 The Importance of Visibility and Authenticity

44:54 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Connect with Monika Tschuggnall:

 https://lifelift.coach/ 

Instagram: /monikatschuggnall

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of Miles to Zen, Shannon stirs up a story that’s equal parts humor, nostalgia, and life lesson.

 It starts with a pot of stubborn split peas and ends with a reminder about guilt, clutter, and the power of letting go.

“Atonement Soup” isn’t just about soup, it’s a metaphor for life’s frustrations and the importance of self-forgiveness. Its also about clearing out emotional and physical clutter, and learning when to stop salvaging what’s no longer serving us (even if it’s packed with fiber).

If you’ve ever tried to make something work long past its expiry date, whether that’s a reviving weeks old veggies in your fridge, to a project, or a memory, you’ll find comfort (and a smile) in this story.

00:00 Welcome to the Miles to Zen Podcast

01:04 Introducing Today's Story: Atonement Soup

02:16 Clearing Out the Clutter: A Personal Journey

04:02 The Legume Legacy: The Soup Saga Begins

04:40 The Atonement Soup: A Culinary Misadventure

09:24 Lessons from the Soup: Letting Go and Moving Forward

11:31 Wrapping Up: Embrace the Future

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of Miles to Zen, I’m sharing a personal book review of The Signs: The New Science on How to Trust Your Instincts by Dr. Tara Swart, who is also the author of The Source.

I wasn’t asked to review this I just enjoyed the book and wanted to share its message with you. It’s a fascinating exploration of how science and spirituality meet, how we can bridge logic and intuition, reconnect with our bodies, and open ourselves to the signs that guide us through life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize signs, trust your instincts, or balance rational thought with intuitive knowing this one’s for you.

Timestamps

0:00 — Introduction: Why I chose The Signs
1:45 — Who is Dr. Tara Swart?
3:10 — Bridging the rational and the spiritual
6:15 — The big paradigm shift: beyond AI to intuition
9:05 — Signs, loss, and staying connected to loved ones
12:20 — Logic vs. intuition: lessons from our ancestors
15:00 — The disconnection from our bodies and how to heal it
17:10 — The case for spirituality and connecting with nature
19:20 — The universal language of signs
22:00 — My personal feather story
24:15 — Science, proof, and open-mindedness
27:00 — Intuition as a physical process (“truth bumps” and gut feelings)
29:20 — Creativity and connection: art, empathy, and longevity
32:00 — Proof points and why science matters for spirituality
35:10 — Final thoughts: staying open to possibilities
37:00 — Reasons to read The Signs

The Signs: The New Science on How to Trust Your Instincts
 by Dr. Tara Swart
Available wherever you get your books — or check your local independent bookstore! 

 #BookReview #TaraSwart #TheSigns #Intuition #ScienceAndSpirituality #Synchronicity #Neuroscience #SpiritualGrowth #MilesToZenPodcast #TrustYourInstincts #myfirstbookreview #shannonmileshalliday #curiosity #connection #creativity

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this inspiring Miles to Zen conversation, Shannon Miles Halliday welcomes evidential medium, teacher, and podcast host Orly Altaras. Together, they dive into the language of spirit, the difference between intuition and mediumship, and how synchronicities guide us toward our most authentic path.

Orly shares how her intuitive gifts opened after her father’s passing, what “meeting in the middle” really means, and how each of us can strengthen our connection with higher guidance. From recognizing when our intuition is speaking to noticing the universe’s winks through signs, Orly offers practical tools for building trust in your intuition and seeing life as a co-creation with the divine.

Topics we explore:

• What is an evidential medium and how it differs from being psychic
• The language of spirit and connecting with loved ones who’ve passed
• How to strengthen your intuitive muscle
• Signs, synchronicities, and divine timing
• Overcoming self-doubt to step into your calling
• How intuition shows up in daily life

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between intuition, psychic awareness, and mediumship
• How to recognize and interpret signs from loved ones and spirit
• Simple ways to strengthen your intuitive “muscle”
• What it means to receive evidential messages from spirit
• How to trust yourself and your inner knowing
• The power of surrender, stillness, and curiosity in building intuitive trust

Whether you’re curious about mediumship or simply wanting to feel more guided in your everyday choices, this episode will leave you uplifted and inspired to follow your inner knowing.

00:00 Introduction 

00:36 Understanding Evidential Mediumship

02:24 Orly's Journey into Mediumship

04:42 The Awakening and Acceptance

06:37 Sharing Knowledge and Being of Service

11:55 Tapping into Intuition

15:51 Following Intuitive Nudges

21:46 Overcoming Doubts and Limiting Beliefs

28:07 Using Intuition for Finding a Children’s Camp

29:51 Manifesting Magic and Synchronicity

32:35 Understanding Goosebumps as Spiritual Confirmation

34:37 Communicating with Spirit Guides

35:08 Signs from a Departed Loved One

40:14 Developing Mediumship Skills

43:45 Heartwarming Stories and Final Thoughts

Contact Orly:

https://www.laraandlou.com/products/mediumship-reading

https://www.instagram.com/laraandlou/

#Intuition #Synchronicity #Mediumship #SpiritualAwakening #MilesToZen #OrlyAltaras #EvidentialMedium #SpiritualPodcast #EnergyAwareness #AuthenticLiving #TrustTheUniverse #newpodcast

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For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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We left Part One with a cliff hanger! Join us for Part Two!

In Part Two of the Miles to Zen podcast conversation with Ann Mortifee, Ann shares her profound journey of self-discovery, guided by an inner voice and serendipity. From her experiences at Abbey Road Studios to her pilgrimages around the world, Ann discusses the significance of listening to inner knowing, dealing with life's confusing moments, and following one's instinctual guidance. Throughout the episode, she recounts powerful anecdotes about her transformative decisions, work in humanitarian causes, creative endeavors, and her spiritual growth. This episode highlights the importance of being present, trusting one's inner guide, and understanding the deeper connections within oneself and the universe.

00:00 Introduction 

00:38 Ann Mortifee's Inner Voice and Destiny

02:30 A Life-Changing Pilgrimage

05:06 Reflections on Crooked Walking

05:29 Starting a Record Company

05:46 Magical Moments and Inner Guidance

13:40 The Power of Nature and Solitude

18:47 Listening to the Inner Voice

21:20 Exploring the Universe and Collective Wisdom

22:36 Synchronicities and Island Life

26:24 Coyote Medicine and Shamanic Experiences

29:47 Dreams and Serendipity

32:39 Words of Wisdom and The Four Agreements

36:27 Inner Guidance and Life's Blueprint

38:48 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Learn more:

https://annmortifee.com/

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week!